New Zealand - North Island

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Carrying on the magic bus the route was:

From South to North Island Ferry>Wellington>Napier>Lake Taupo>Mount Mauganui>Auckland (where I fly to Fiji).

Arrived onto the North Island by Ferry into New Zealands capital Wellington. Was a very picturesque ferry journey of about 4hrs from the south island to the North, arriving in the ferry port of Wellington near the city centre. Wellington was one of the few places in NZ that I had the luxury of staying for more than a night.

Wellington

Next day headed first "Te Papa" which is the Museum of New Zealand, this was an impressive museum with loads of interactive information and videos. Would have been easy to stay here for a whole day but after looking around the 6 floors for a couple of hours I headed out and onto Wellington's cable car. This was recorded in my lonely Planet as a "must see' attraction. It was good, but not that good! Anyway, it led to a nice walk back down the hills throught the Botanical gardens.

At the bottom were the Parliament buildings (Wellington is the Capital of NZ and hence holds the parliament), went in and had a free tour, seeing where the Prime Minister sits (it is a women!! - women being leader of government, is like giving a monkey a gun, and that hasn't happpened in England since the 1994 London Zoo Massacre!) - Borat 2006.

Napier

On the way to Napier whent to a bird sanctuary which included a glass cage that housed the rather rare Kiwi bird (bird of New Zealand), though it was in such a dark cage that no photos I took really came out. Napier was pretty non descript place, and the most exciting thing here I did was the supermaket shop (I bought some Danish pastries!!).

Lake Taupo

As usual on the magic bus another early start after going out for a few drinks the night before. The one reason I stopped here was to Sky Dive (Sky Dive capital of New Zealand). It was amazing and to be honest no where as scary as the bungy jump!!! Even though it is 15,000 ft and you are free falling for over 60 seconds, you are strapped to the instructor and so it is him that pushes you both out of the flying plane miles above the ground...... But as you do not have to do anything you just sit back and enjoy 😊 With the Bungy you have to throw yourself off! Anyway was amazing feeling and I came back down to earth without a bump! See Sky Dive journal for pics 😊

Mount Mauganui

Mount Mauganui is a coastal beach restort, but as we were arriving at the beginning of spring it certainly was not beach weather. Spent the afternoon relaxing in the out door saltwater pools well known for its relaxing & healing properies.

Auckland

Arrived in Auckland on the 4th September, and leaving on the 5th there was not much time to see anything in Auckland. I made a beeline for the impressive Auckland museum home to many of new Zealands priceless historic treasures. Wanted to make it for the Maori dances that were taking place that day, but was 15 mins too late, doh!


My preference was definaetly the South island though noticable colder the amazing scenery all over the island more than made up for it. Anyway looking forward to the warm weather again

Note: Have more pics but having problems uploading 😞

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Photos

Parliament Building - Wellington
Also known as the bee hive. Any guesses why?

Above the city - Wellington
After ride on Cable car